Reviving the Focus of Charles M. Sheldon
In 1896, Charles M. Sheldon wrote a Christian book called In His Steps. It has sold over 50 million copies.
It is a novel that attempts to answer the question, “What would Jesus do?” in a series of real-life issues facing the fictional characters. It deals with faithfulness to God, poverty, hunger, homelessness, suicide, corporate fraud, and Christian ethics.
It is still very readable and relevant in the 21st century.
What troubles me most about In His Steps is that so few Christian authors are making the problem of sin and its antidote prominent in their books in a way that influences readers. Today, it seems we are offering a lot of chaff and little wheat.
In our writing, we may mention Jesus’ transforming power in a personal context, but we seldom show how that power reverberates in a family, neighborhood, or throughout society.
What can Christian writers do to remedy this situation? Here are five suggestions.
Bake the Bread of Life, Not Just Icing on the Cake
Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). I read many Christian books from my clients, and that verse is relevant.
I aim to identify strengths and weaknesses and help authors improve their writing. That’s a lot of fun when they have a teachable spirit. Many have an “Ah ha” moment, and that is gratifying.
The extremes I see are fiction writers who tell a secular story and then tack on spiritual content. Another extreme is when nonfiction writers whip arcane theological topics like a rented mule. Both miss the point of Christian writing. They represent superficial icing in different ways.
A loaf of bread contains grain, yeast, sugar, salt, and oil. None of these are very tasty (or healthful) when you eat them alone. Yet, taken together, bread is the staff of life that has sustained humanity since the dawn of time.
Christian writing should be like that. The difference between good and bad writing is how the ingredients are mixed and baked. Charles M. Sheldon did an excellent job mixing his ingredients, and his book continues to carry a powerful message.
Innovate, But Don’t Dilute
Innovation is good; it keeps readers engaged. My personal writing friends know I pretend to gag when I hear about a new Christian book by an abuse survivor. It is not because I do not have compassion for abuse victims. I do care. But there is a flood of these books, and nearly all lack innovation.
They are all the same sad story with only slight variations.
I strongly support victims writing these books. It is excellent therapy. But people need to stop publishing them. They should put the manuscript in a chest in the attic and then go out and help women in abuse centers. That is an effective and satisfying way to help others.
We must be careful to balance innovation and fidelity to Scripture.
When it comes to Christian writing, it is vital to innovate. We must find ways to tell the “old, old story” in fresh, creative ways. But in the bid to be relevant, there’s a risk of diluting the essence of the Gospel message.
Charles M. Sheldon’s story was innovative; it starts with an incident in a church and expands to individual lives and the world.
Be a Mirror, Not a Painting
This is a demanding requirement for many Christian writers. When we become followers of Christ, we fall heir to the “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). That means we channel his thoughts and actions through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thus, we want to mirror Christ’s character and teaching to others. That predisposes individual writers to be Christians and continue daily fellowship with him.
Thus, we Christian writers cannot merely a pretty painting of what a Christian and the Christian life ought to be. Our lives and work are not something for others to view as if in a museum. Our faith is dynamic. We must live our faith and mirror it to others.
Christian fiction and nonfiction writing should never be static. It must always embody a call to action.
Readers are looking for a mirror that shows them the way to God, not a painting that merely depicts an artist’s viewpoint.
Charles M. Sheldon captured that with In His Steps. His book is the source of the popular term, “What would Jesus do?” He realized that head and heart knowledge means nothing without action.
From Milk to Meat: Meet Readers on Their Level of Understanding
Christian writers must be aware that their audience is not just new believers but also those who are mature in faith. Also, it is an ever-changing audience. It is like trying to preach to a parade.
Therefore, our writing should range from the basic tenets of Christianity (“milk”) to deeper, more complex theological discussions (“meat”) that could stimulate mature believers (Hebrews 5:14).
This is easier to do in faction than in nonfiction. That is thanks to the story arc of each character. A story arc is a character’s (or group of characters) emotional and spiritual journey within a narrative (plot). It typically involves a significant change or transformation, often through conflict or challenge, and includes elements such as rising action, climax, and resolution. A story arc is the ideal structure for sharing the Good News. It is up to the writer to do it well.
Charles M. Sheldon did a good job of moving from milk to meat. His characters had a rather superficial understanding of their faith at the beginning but took responsible, mature Christian actions by the end of the book.
The milk-to-meat issue is different with nonfiction. A topic must start with “the known” (in the readers’ understanding) and move in steps to “the unknown,” in this case, the meat of the topic. No nonfiction author should assume that a reader has the same level of understanding about any topic as the author.
Don’t Just Make a Point, Make a Difference
There is an old saying that churches “multiply by division.” That’s why we have so many denominations and many different churches in every community. We all like to make points about every possible theological topic.
Every Christian has an opinion. Many have two or three on the same topic.
Christian writers must rise above that mentality. The ultimate aim should not be to publish a book but to change lives. Whether it’s through fiction or nonfiction, make it impactful. Ensure the reader closes your book with a greater understanding of God’s love and plan for their lives.
Charles M. Sheldon is an excellent example of a book that achieved this goal. By prompting people to ask, “What would Jesus do?” he changed the behavior of millions of Christians. He made a difference.
A Better Way Forward
In a world inundated with information yet starved for wisdom, let’s recommit to being Christian writers who offer the richness of the Gospel. Let’s not just focus on gathering a readership but on building a fellowship centered on Christ.
I encourage you to review your current and future projects through the lens of these principles, praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your writing endeavors. After all, we are not just writers but messengers of God’s eternal truth.
Sources cited:
Unless otherwise noted, Bible quotations are from the English Standard Version (ESV).
In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon
